Why are visit to the dentist important anyway?

Without running the risk of sounding like a broken record, looking after your teeth is paramount to maintaining good oral health as well as long-term overall health.

Why is maintaining good oral habits something to invest in?

Many teens and young adults consider themselves invincible because their adulthood is so long away and signs of wear and tear on teeth take several years to manifest. It’s true, teeth are one of the most resilient parts of your body (and they’re the most brittle)!

Plaque and tartar can build up slowly but surely, if you fail to look after your teeth and expose them to copious amounts of acidic, sweet and sticky foods – all corrosive to your tooth enamel. Smoking and drinking alcohol also impacts upon this, both of which wear down your immune system if consumed too regularly, exposing your teeth to tooth decay and other complications.

Tooth decay

Regular visits to the hygienist and dentist will ensure that you do not develop tooth decay. Tooth decay is the build up of unhealthy bacteria on your teeth, in the form of plaque and tartar. Eventually, if left untreated, this can lead to severe pain and the need for extraction. Your hygienist can remove the staining from your teeth, whilst your dentist can identify any potential signs of tooth decay and take action to prevent cavities.

This is the most common problem with teeth across the world and especially in the United States.

Gum disease

Otherwise known as Gingivitis, gum disease is a curable condition that can be kept at bay by simply applying a healthy dental routine. However, if left untreated, this can develop into periodontitis which can cause your gums to bleed as well as bring on halitosis (bad breath). Periodontitis also affects the way your jaw functions, as the bone can become damaged as a result of poorly attached teeth.

Maintaining oral health in later life

Teeth can’t stay naturally white forever. Your teeth are the strongest part of your body, but even they can’t battle with the wear and tear brought on by time. Of course, there are synthetic ways to improve your smile such as teeth whitening and ways to replace missing teeth (see our blog on cosmetic dentistry at Paul Lowe). To avoid some of the complications above, be sure to brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time and make regular appointments with your hygienist and dentist.

If you need any advice on how to look after your oral health, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Paul Lowe.